Between The Secrets

The Deal on the Table

Katalina’s POV

Adil’s words hang in the air, heavy as the storm outside.

“Marry me…. one year, no strings. I keep my company, you get the power to take yours back.”

I stare at him , my tea mug halfway to my lips . Claudia’s apartment feels too small suddenly , the lamp’s soft glow casting shadows on his face . My sketchbook sits open on the table , the smudged dress mocking me . Trust is a broken thing now ; Zephan’s betrayal still burns , Phoebe’s smirk fresh in my mind . And this stranger , Adil Sharif , wants me to fake a marriage?

“You’re serious?” I ask , setting the mug down with a clink .

He nods , his dark eyes steady . “Dead serious.”

Claudia shifts on the couch beside me, her eyes wide. “Kat, hear him out. He got you here safe.”

“Why me?” I say, leaning forward. “ You don’t even know me .”

Adil crosses his arms , his suit jacket pulling tight . “I know enough. You’re Katalina Leclerc, eldest daughter, always in Phoebe’s shadow. Your family’s playing games with you. I saw it at the party.”

“Games?” I echo, my voice sharp. “Like calling a hospital to lock me up?”

“Exactly like that,” he says, his tone even. “They want control. I’ve seen it in business…. families like yours eat their own.”

Claudia touches my arm. “He’s right, Kat. Helen and Eliot…. They've always favored Phoebe. Remember last Christmas? She got the trip to Paris, you got a lecture on ‘responsibility.’”

I nod, the memory stinging. Phoebe, my younger sister, the golden one. Me, the afterthought.

“But marriage? That’s insane.”

“Not insane,” Adil says, pulling a chair closer. “Practical. My mother, Calista…. She's pushing the board to give everything to my cousin Liam. They say I’m too ‘unstable’ without a family. A wife shuts them up.”

I laugh, but it’s hollow. “Unstable? Join the club.”

He doesn’t smile. “It’s one year. We sign papers, play the part at events, then walk away. You get my resources , lawyers, money , to fight your family.”

“ What’s the catch ?” I ask , searching his face . He’s handsome , in a sharp way , but there’s a wall behind his eyes .

“No catch,” he says. “You help me , I help you.”

Claudia leans in . “Kat, this could change everything. No more hiding your sketches from Helen. You could finally chase your designs.”

I glance at my sketchbook, the ruined page. My art’s my secret world, the one place I’m free.

“It sounds too good,” I say. “People don’t just offer this.”

Adil’s jaw tightens. “I don’t do charity. This is business.”

My phone buzzes on the table. Zephan again: Kat, please. I’m outside the mansion, waiting. Let me explain.

I delete it, my stomach twisting. “Zephan’s texting. He says he’s sorry.”

Claudia snorts. “Sorry? After what he did with Phoebe ? He’s just scared you’ll talk .”

“ Maybe ,” I say , but my voice wavers . Zephan’s charm was my escape ; now it’s a lie.

Adil notices my hesitation. “Don’t answer him. He’s part of it.”

“How do you know?” I challenge. “You were at the party. What did you see?”

He pauses , his eyes darkening . “ Enough to know he’s not who you think .”

Claudia stands, grabbing our mugs. “Tea’s cold. Want more?”

“Sure,” I say, watching her. She seems fidgety, spilling a drop on the counter.

Adil watches too, then turns back to me. “Think about it, Katalina. Your family won’t stop. They’ll come for you.”

I flip open my sketchbook , picking up a pencil . The lines come easy—a broken ring , shadows lurking. “What if I say no?” I ask, sketching.

“Then you’re on your own,” he says softly. “And they’ll win.”

Claudia returns with fresh tea. “Kat, you’re strong. But alone? Against Eliot? He’s ruthless.”

I nod, the pencil scratching. Eliot’s cold voice echoes in my head: You’re out of control.

“Tell me more about the deal,” I say to Adil. “What exactly do I do?”

He leans forward. “We announce it quietly. You move in with me ; temporarily. Attend a few events, act the part. I'll handle the rest.”

“Move in?” I stop sketching. “With you?”

“It’s for show,” he says. “Separate rooms. My place is secure.”

Claudia sips her tea. “Sounds safe, Kat. Better than hiding here.”

I look at her. “You think?”

“ Yeah ,” she says , but her smile falters , her fingers tapping the mug .

Adil’s phone buzzes . He checks it, frowning. “My assistant, Ollie. He’s bringing papers if you agree.”

“Papers already?” I ask, surprise lacing my voice.

“Prepared,” he says. “But no pressure.”

My phone lights up again — Zephan : I never meant to hurt you. Phoebe pushed me. Please, Kat.

I show Claudia. “See? He’s blaming her.”

She shakes her head. “Don’t buy it. He’s just covering.”

Adil glances at the screen. “Ignore him. He’s desperate.”

“Why desperate?” I ask.

“Because you know too much,” he says, his voice low. “Your family’s secrets aren’t safe with you free.”

I set the pencil down, the broken ring staring back. My art’s my refuge, but it can’t fight this.

“What secrets?” I ask. “They’re just controlling.”

“More than that,” Adil says. “I’ve dealt with Eliot. He’s not clean.”

Claudia nods. “Remember that deal last year? The one that went bad? Eliot blamed you, but it was his mess.”

I rub my temples. “Yeah. Phoebe got the credit for fixing it, though.”

Adil’s eyes soften. “That’s why you need this. Power shifts the game.”

I pick up the pencil again , adding lines to the sketch — a figure emerging from shadows . Me, maybe.

“One year,” I say. “What happens after?”

“We divorce,” he says. “Quietly. You walk away stronger.”

Claudia looks at me. “It’s a chance, Kat. Take it.”

A knock echoes. Adil stands. “ That’s Ollie .”

He opens the door , and a man in a neat suit steps in , carrying a folder .

“ Papers , sir ,” Ollie says, his voice clipped , eyes scanning the room .

“Thanks,” Adil says. “Give us a minute.”

Ollie nods, but his gaze lingers on me. “Miss Leclerc.”

“You know me?” I ask.

“Reputation,” he says, neutral.

Adil takes the folder. “This is the draft. Read it.”

I open it, words blurring. Marriage contract. One year. Non-disclosure.

“This is real,” I whisper.

“Yes,” Adil says. “But it’s your choice.”

My phone buzzes — Zephan calling now. Adil reaches for it. “Don’t answer.”

“Why not?” I ask.

“He’s trouble,” he says, his hand hovering, protective.

Claudia nods. “Let it ring.”

I let it go to voicemail . Zephan’s voice crackles : Kat , I’m sorry . Phoebe made me. Please, talk to me.

I delete it. “Made him? He’s lying.”

Adil’s jaw clenches. “That’s why you need this deal. They’re circling.”

I flip through the papers, my sketch calling to me. The figure in the shadows — stronger now .

“What if I sign?” I ask.

“We start tomorrow,” he says. “You safe, them scared.”

Claudia smiles faintly. “Do it, Kat.”

I look at Adil. “Why trust you?”

“I don’t ask for trust,” he says. “Just the deal.”

A slip of paper slides under the door . Claudia jumps up , grabbing it . “What’s this?”

She unfolds it , her face paling. “Kat… it’s for you.”

“What does it say?” I ask, standing.

“They’re watching you , Katalina.”